Two-Piece Subject Support Vest with Zipper Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional subject support apparatuses require significant time and effort for caregivers to properly position and couple straps and loops with lift mechanisms, leading to potential misuse due to complexity.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece subject support apparatus comprising a vest with a closure mechanism and shoulder straps for the upper torso and a seat piece with loop straps for the lower body, which can be easily positioned and coupled to a sling bar with hooks, simplifying the process and reducing the number of straps and buckles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional subject support apparatuses with multiple straps and loops are used, then the subject can be securely supported, but the coupling process requires significant time and effort from caregivers
Solution Approach 1:
The subject support apparatus is divided into two separate pieces: an upper portion and a lower portion. Each portion has simplified coupling mechanisms (zipper for upper, loops for lower) that can be independently and quickly attached to the lift mechanism, eliminating the need to manage multiple straps and loops as a single complex unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex coupling system of multiple straps and loops is extracted and replaced with simpler coupling mechanisms. The upper portion uses a zipper closure instead of multiple straps, and the lower portion uses pre-formed loops instead of multiple adjustable straps, significantly reducing the time required for proper positioning.
2Reliability
If conventional subject support apparatuses with multiple straps and loops are used, then the subject can be securely supported, but the complexity of coupling requires significant effort from caregivers
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the support apparatus into two distinct portions with different coupling mechanisms, each portion becomes simpler to operate independently. The zipper on the upper portion provides intuitive one-handed operation, while the loops on the lower portion require minimal manipulation, greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining secure support.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the upper portion to be self-adjusting through the zipper mechanism, which can be easily operated by the caregiver without complex adjustments. The loops on the lower portion are pre-formed and require no adjustment, making the entire coupling process more intuitive and easier to perform correctly.
3Force
If conventional subject support apparatuses are used, then lifting capacity is maintained, but caregivers may attempt to lift without the apparatus due to setup complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented design with two separate portions allows caregivers to quickly set up the apparatus without being deterred by complexity. The simple zipper and loop mechanisms reduce setup time and effort, making it more likely that caregivers will properly use the apparatus rather than attempting unsafe manual lifting, while the harness structure maintains full lifting capacity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a single-piece subject support apparatus is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but the number of straps and buckles increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the apparatus into two separate portions eliminates the need for multiple straps and buckles within each piece. The upper portion uses a single zipper closure instead of multiple buckles, and the lower portion uses pre-formed loops instead of adjustable straps with buckles, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the harness design.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex system of multiple straps and buckles is extracted and replaced with simpler mechanisms. The zipper on the upper portion eliminates the need for multiple buckles, and the loops on the lower portion eliminate the need for adjustable straps, reducing the overall number of components while preserving the structural integrity needed for safe lifting.
Data Source
AI summary
A subject support apparatus includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion includes a vest having a first end and a second end, a closure mechanism configured to couple the first end of the vest to the second end of the vest from a bottom end of the vest to a top end of the vest to form a closed loop, and a pair of shoulder straps extending from the vest. The lower portion includes a seat piece having a first end and a second end, and a pair of loop straps extending from the first end and the second end of the seat piece. Subject support systems including the subject support apparatus and methods of lifting a subject using the subject support apparatus are also described.